E1422: Acetylated distarch adipate

What is E1422?

E1422, acetylated distarch adipate, is a modified starch. Ordinary starch molecules are lightly cross-linked with adipic acid and partly acetylated, which makes the resulting thickener much more resistant to heat, acid and stirring than native starch.

Origin and production

It is made from common food starches, typically maize, potato, tapioca or wheat, which are treated with acetic anhydride and adipic anhydride under controlled conditions. No animal materials are involved in its production.

Why is it used?

Manufacturers use E1422 to thicken and stabilise products that must stay smooth through cooking, acidic conditions, freezing and long storage. It is common in sauces, mayonnaise and dressings, ketchup and barbecue sauce, baked beans in tomato sauce and spoonable yogurts.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

E1422 is plant-derived and generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and it raises no particular halal or kosher concerns on its own. If wheat starch is used, EU labelling rules require wheat to be named.

Safety and regulation

Acetylated distarch adipate is authorised as a food additive in the European Union, and EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation of modified starches concluded there was no need for a numerical acceptable daily intake. It is permitted in many other countries as well.

Common in